Journal Published Online: 01 January 1992
Volume 37, Issue 1

Ricochet Dynamics for the Nine-Millimetre Parabellum Bullet

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The presence of extraneous markings on a fired bullet that has ricocheted off water depends on the angle of incidence of the bullet to the water and the depth of the water. An Uzi submachine gun, held in a machine rest, was fired into a large container of water at various controlled angles. The angle of incidence and the angle of departure of the bullet from the water were measured. The critical angle of ricochet, the depth of penetration, and the path of the bullet in the water were measured. The measured critical angle of ricochet of a 9-mm parabellum bullet fired from the above weapon was 6.5°. The maximum depth of penetration into the water during ricochet was found to be 22 mm. The maximum track length in the water was 62 cm.

Author Information

Gold, RE
Weapons Identification Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel National Police Headquarters, Castle Rock, CO
Schecter, B
Weapons Identification Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel National Police Headquarters, Jerusalem, Israel
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS13215J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13215J